Quilt Marking Tools

June 26, 2014
Quilt Marking Tools

Quilt Marking ToolsIN QUEST OF THE PERFECT QUILT MARKING TOOL

Do you have trouble choosing the right marking tool for your quilts?

If so, you are in good company…

As we discussed on Open Line Friday, Does the Perfect Marking Pen Exist…choosing a marking tool for fabric is always a challenge.

Many quilters like the blue washable markers–but we’ve all heard some horror stories of the ink returning to spoil a quilt.  I gave up on these markers years ago…every time I reached for mine–DRY!  Keeping a supply of working blue pens was just impossible–and too expensive…

Quilt Marking PensThus began my search…

THE CRITERIA

A good marking pens for quilt MUST be:

  • Easy to see
  • Easy to erase
  • Strong–not too breakable…
  • Reasonably priced

Quilt Marking Pens

Quilt Marking PensThe Dritz Chalk Cartridge Set

Go-to marker for all types of marking.  (Slightly thick line–can be sharpened.)

With several colors in the package, it is easy to see.

Removes easily with light brushing.  Occasionally requires a little water to remove.

Rarely breaks and comes with a sharpener.

Price:  $12–lasts forever.

Quilt Marking PensThe Clover Pen Style Chaco Liner

The perfect choice when drawing straight lines, especially when using a straight line stencil.  (Does not mark well on curved lines.)

Available in three colors.  Easy to see.

Easy to remove with light brushing.

Unbreakable.

Price-$7.  Lasts a long time.  Refills available.

Quilt Marking PensFons and Porter Mechanical Pencil

Great when fine lines are required.

Comes in two colors.  Easy to see.

Easy to remove with white eraser or by rubbing with a damp cloth.

Breakage–this pencil does break a bit–otherwise it might be “The Perfect Quilt Marking Pen”.

Price- $12.  Lasts a long time–though some waste of leads due to breakage.

Quilt Marking PensPilot Frixion Pens

Highly recommended by many quilters.

Many colors–not white.  Easy to see especially on light fabric.

Removes readily with STEAM!–though a light trace remains–which removes easily with laundering.

Does not break

Price – $12 for a pack of five. (Best Value)

Quilt Marking PensClover White Marking Pen

Fine white line–takes several seconds to appear.

Easy to see especially on dark fabrics.

Iron to remove.  A faint trace may remain even after laundering.

Price-$7.  Lasts a long time.

Quilt Marking PensSoapstone Marker

Dull line.

Light.  Can be hard to see.

Easy to remove with brushing.

Rarely breaks.

Price-$12–Lasts forever.

Quilt Marking PensLike most sewing notions, YOU need to be the judge for YOUR projects, YOUR temperament and YOUR budget.

What are YOUR favorite quilt marking pens?

I’d love to hear!

Banished-the-Blue,

Lori

PS…All images, tutorials and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin and share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thank you.

 

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